Globalisation and technology: Impact on Business and

Higher education.
By: Kerrie Richards

Focus: Management, Education and training.

Globalisation has changed the required skills set of the average employee.

Between 1995 and 1999 many organisations set about changing their mission statements

to include phrases such as “global focus” and “world-class service”. Today more than

ever clients in every industry are well travelled and well informed due to cheaper

international travel and the internet. Before making a purchase the person in the 18-45

age group will carry out a web search, as they are more web savvy.

Gone are the days where the company training room only had desks, chairs and a

blackboard. Today a personal computer or a laptop with a projector is mandatory. The

content of training sessions are also much better researched as the presenter will have

access to digital libraries and vast statistical repositories.

With the emergence of various Learning Management Systems (LMS) more

universities are finding the Virtual Learning Suites (VLS) a viable option in the delivery

of distance learning courses. This has in turn made internationally recognised university

courses more accessible. Fifteen years ago if an employer advertised for a supervisory

role, fifty percent of the applicants didn’t have a degree, those with degrees more often

than not came from one of the two universities operating in Jamaica at that time. Now

overseas based degrees are attainable without the need to relocate.

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 In the United Kingdom, E-learning institutions such as Learndirect, UK-online

and The Open University have made it easier for people to do it all. Managers are seeing

more and more requests for educational grants and study leave. The prudent manager

must recognise that the support given to employees in part time study will have a positive

effect on staff morale and efficiency. With the emergence of E-Learning and the

prevalence of the internet at home, added to the new phenomenon of flexible working

hours, makes it easier to manage time.

Globalisation and technology has enabled businesses to operate 24 hours per day.

CASE STUDY:

A supplier of tiles, UPVC windows and garage doors has opening hours between 8 am and 6 pm, he

takes a family break from 6-8 and then goes into his home office to communicate with his suppliers in

China (which is 13 hours ahead). Due to his commitment and long hours he may not be as flexible

towards the training need s of his employees. In this scenario, employees need to look at the new model

of part/tine study which allows for weekend block as well as courses which are offered solely online.

Globalisation has also changed the interview format. A prospective employee is

geared up to do the literacy and numeracy skills along with the basic IT competencies.

They also need to be prepared to demonstrate mastery of the English language, email

etiquette as well as awareness of environmental issues.

Globalisation and technology have made a happy marriage and has changed the

definition of business and the skills set that is required to be a success.